For years now, Centennial’s football program has not been their most successful sport. Whether it is having to deal with lack of players, support from students, or their ability to win games, the Eagles have struggled to put together a winning season. However, this season, the players are determined to change the narrative surrounding them and reverse the football culture at the school. They look to become a more positive and successful program compared to prior seasons. Having sat down and talked with players (new and returning), they have given their opinions on what they see themselves and the team looking like this season.
The CHS football team has experienced many different changes this year, the most prominent being the loss of their two All-County graduates, Daytron Graham and Brandon Hill, both demanding heavy attention from the defense and shifting play calls.
This year, however, the team is led by WR/CB Angelo Coates, and WR/CB Charles Sandersen. They also have added Ayden Reeves, a new player this year who has quickly taken a leadership role among the team’s offensive linemen. He has come out and said “My good friends CJ [Colin Marr] and Angelo Coates told me that it would be a good experience,” Reeves answered in response to why he joined the team. He also added that “finding friends and making good friends on the team isn’t hard” and how “a lot of the underclassmen look up to me …being new on the team and all.”
Reeves made it clear that even though he has less experience than other players on the team, he has still found a way to encourage his teammates.
There is also a new transfer player on the team, receiver Ezekial Noa, coming from St. Frances Academy. He quickly made himself known at Centennial’s scrimmage against Catonsville High School. He had an amazing play, catching a 30-yard downfield strike, while showcasing his athleticism, catching it over the opposing player.
Even though there are some students who seem optimistic about the team, there are also some people who are less faithful in the program.
If you are a student at Centennial, then you may have come out to see the football team play at least once. That being said, there has been a visible decrease in student attendance at these football games. The players have emphasized how they want to change that and would love to see people come out to watch them show their improvement.
A student at Centennial, Ernest Macharia, said, “The atmosphere is amazing, especially when all your peers are there, a very socializing event.” He believes that the games are fun when everyone comes out, yet it is the low perception of the team that prevents people from having any reason to watch.
Aniyah Walton, a cheerleader at Centennial, has even stated that “the atmosphere at the games can be fun, but at away games, it can be discouraging when people don’t come out. It is hard to cheer for a crowd who does not make the effort to go and watch.”
Although the team has had its flaws in the past, it is a new year. It is on the Centennial fans to make the journey to “The Nest” for home games and make yourself known when it’s away. Centennial Football has made some big changes this year in order to be winners, and their players have made it clear: things will change.
